Sports and Recreation Development Officer Directorate : Active and Healthy Communities Department : Leisure Services Location : Londonderry Park Salary Scale: PO1 SCP 2932 Reports to : Leisure Services Officer Responsible for : 3 x Assistant Sports and Recreation Development Officers; 1 x Admin Assistant; Sport Specific Funded Posts (if applicable) Car User Status : Casual PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF THE POST The post holder will assist the Leisure Services Manager and Leisure Services Officer to provide strategic direction for the section and be responsible for the implementation and effective delivery of Sports and Recreation Development Programmes and activities in the Borough, working in partnership with NCLT/SERCO to receive this. To provide front line advice and support to local sport/community/voluntary organisations operating in, or wishing to set up in the Borough. To provide leadership to the Sports Development team on developing pathways, increasing participation in sport and recreational activities across all age groups and abilities and helping improve the quality of sporting individuals, clubs, coaches and officials through the allocation of grants and the recognition of excellence through the Sports Awards of the Borough. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and implement a Sports and Recreation Development Action Plan for the Ards and North Down Borough in partnership with NCLT/Serco to reflect the overall sporting and recreational needs across the Borough. Prepare and manage the Sports and Recreation Unit budget and be responsible for effective budgetary control and management of all resources within the section including external funding such as Sport NI. Manage, monitor and evaluate the work of the Assistant Sports and Recreation Development Officers, Administrative Assistant, casual coaches and other personnel required to implement the various programme of activities. Identify, manage and deliver essential staff training for the unit. Identify, pursue and manage all external funding for delivery of sports and recreation development initiatives, on behalf of the Council and other partner organisations, when applicable. Management and accountability for delivery of the Council's Sports Development Capital Grants Programme in line with Council's Policies and Procedures. Management of the Ards and North Down Sports Forum and its core functions including administration and assessment of grants and providing direction and guidance to the Forum Panel. Responsible for the governance of the Sports Development Unit and the implementation of key corporate documents such as risk register, risk assessments and audit review. Identify sport, recreation and health and well-being initiatives and manage the strategic planning and implementation of same including externally funded programmes. Develop and maintain strategic partnerships and sit on a range of working groups with internal and external stakeholders such as Council senior management, Sport NI, National Governing Bodies, Health and Education sectors and Voluntary and community organisations to support and develop programmes of participation and performance pathways across the Borough. Provide advice and support as required in the delivery of a range of sporting events in the Borough such as the half marathon and Bangor 10K. Provide a support and advisory service to local sports clubs and community organisations in areas such as funding opportunities for sports/physical activity related activities and sports development needs. Identify the sporting needs of both the professional and voluntary sectors within the Borough and develop, promote, deliver and monitor appropriate training programmes. Prepare Council reports for the Community and Wellbeing Committee on all matters relating to sports development and provision of recommendations where applicable. Represent the Council at events when required. Comply with and promote equality, health and safety in accordance with Council Policies, Procedures and legal requirements. Undertake any other appropriate duties as may be allocated from time to time in accordance with the general nature of the post, which may include evening or weekend working as required. PERSON SPECIFICATION The person specification provides information on the qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills required to carry out the duties of the post. The essential criteria will be used for shortlisting and as part of the selection process. Qualifications Essential: Level 6 qualification in a Sport, Recreation, Education or Leisure discipline. Applicants without a Level 6 qualification must have 3 years' relevant experience as outlined below. Experience Essential: Minimum 2 years' experience in the field of sports development, initiating, promoting, managing and evaluating sports development programmes, coach education programmes and delivering tutor training Experience of management of projects and budgets Staff supervisory experience Knowledge, Skills and Ability Essential: Computer literacy Organisational skills Good communication skills and leadership skills Other Requirements Essential: A valid driving licence with access to a form of transport that will allow fulfilment of the duties of the post, or have access to a suitable form of transport which will enable the post holder to meet the requirements of the post* Must consent to a pre-employment Enhanced with barred list Access NI check *The above alternative (access to a suitable form of transport) is a 'reasonable adjustment' specifically for applicants with disabilities who, as a result of their disability, are unable to hold a valid driving licence. The selection panel reserves the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria to facilitate the process when necessary.